How long does it take to heal after lumbar back surgery?

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Quick Answer

The length of time to heal after lumbar back surgery ranges from approximately a few weeks for a diskectomy up to about a year for a laminectomy and fusion surgery, states MedlinePlus. A patient's age, condition before the surgery and extent of the surgery affect the length of recovery time.

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Symptoms of weakness, numbness or pain usually disappear in a few weeks after a microdiskectomy, diskectomy or foraminotomy, but recovery takes longer from a laminectomy and fusion surgery, notes MedlinePlus. Bones take at least three to four months to heal well after surgery, and healing continues for at least 12 months. Some young, healthy spinal fusion patients are able to return to sedentary work after about four to six weeks. Older patients who have undergone extensive surgery may need about four to six months recovery time before returning to work.